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Art Life Practice: The Guided Sketchbook: Artist-Inspired Prompts for a Daily Practice
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Expected 29 Sep 26200 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
You absolutely do not need to know how to draw to enjoy this book.
The book starts with the basics of learning about art — materials, paper, and some of the fundamental elements — before moving into a series of drawing and art prompts. The prompts start out very approachable with things like line drawing, contours, and turning doodled dots into lines, and gradually progress into more complex concepts and exercises.
There is a really nice variety here. You get color work and blending, patterns, still lifes, exercises that ask you to think about what sounds might look like, references to different artists and their styles, and plenty of opportunities to experiment. You can easily find a prompt that matches your current skill level and artistic style, or deliberately pick something outside your comfort zone and use it as a challenge.
That was probably my favorite part of the book. The prompts aren't really about becoming technically "good" at drawing. They're about getting you to put something on paper and look at things differently. You can use them as a springboard for your own work, as a way to experiment with abstract art, or simply as something to do when you're staring at a blank page and have absolutely no idea what to make.
I could also see this being a fantastic reference for art teachers. There are so many exercises that could be used to get students thinking about different elements of art or approaching a concept from a completely different direction. And for artists who are in a creative funk, there are plenty of ideas here to either get you making again or challenge you to try something you normally wouldn't.
The little art history lessons and information about different artists were a nice bonus, too. When an exercise references an artist, though, you'll need to look up their work yourself. I'm guessing that's at least partly a copyright issue, but I did wish I could see the examples right there alongside the prompt rather than having to go searching for them.
And that brings me to my biggest criticism: the lack of pictures.
For a book about visual art, I really wanted more visual examples. Some of the concepts and artist references would have been so much easier to understand if I could actually see what they were talking about. There is a lot of room here to show examples of techniques, finished exercises, or different ways a prompt could be interpreted, and I think the book misses an opportunity by not doing that.
I also felt like some of the exercises could have gone a little further. There were times when I wanted more instruction, additional steps, or an explanation of why a particular exercise was useful and what skill or way of seeing it was intended to develop. The book introduces some really interesting concepts, but occasionally I found myself wishing it would dig just a little deeper.
I also don't think the blank sketchbook pages are particularly necessary. I understand the idea of having everything in one place, but personally, I'd rather use my own sketchbook or loose paper. That gives me more freedom with the size and type of paper and means I don't feel like I'm going to "mess up" the book.
One other issue may be specific to the digital edition, but some of the text was surprisingly difficult to read on a screen because parts of it blended into the background. Hopefully that's something that gets corrected in future editions.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It isn't going to teach you how to become a master artist, and I wouldn't pick it up if my primary goal were improving technical drawing skills. But that's not really what it's trying to do.
Instead, it's a great collection of prompts for people who want to create without worrying about whether they're "good" at drawing. It's an introduction to different elements, styles, artists, and ways of looking at the world, and it gives you plenty of places to start experimenting.
Whether you're brand new to drawing, looking for prompts to make art a regular habit, an artist who needs to get out of a creative rut, or simply someone who wants to approach drawing in a different way, there is something here to play with. I just wish the book had trusted its own visual nature a little more and shown us more.
The book starts with the basics of learning about art — materials, paper, and some of the fundamental elements — before moving into a series of drawing and art prompts. The prompts start out very approachable with things like line drawing, contours, and turning doodled dots into lines, and gradually progress into more complex concepts and exercises.
There is a really nice variety here. You get color work and blending, patterns, still lifes, exercises that ask you to think about what sounds might look like, references to different artists and their styles, and plenty of opportunities to experiment. You can easily find a prompt that matches your current skill level and artistic style, or deliberately pick something outside your comfort zone and use it as a challenge.
That was probably my favorite part of the book. The prompts aren't really about becoming technically "good" at drawing. They're about getting you to put something on paper and look at things differently. You can use them as a springboard for your own work, as a way to experiment with abstract art, or simply as something to do when you're staring at a blank page and have absolutely no idea what to make.
I could also see this being a fantastic reference for art teachers. There are so many exercises that could be used to get students thinking about different elements of art or approaching a concept from a completely different direction. And for artists who are in a creative funk, there are plenty of ideas here to either get you making again or challenge you to try something you normally wouldn't.
The little art history lessons and information about different artists were a nice bonus, too. When an exercise references an artist, though, you'll need to look up their work yourself. I'm guessing that's at least partly a copyright issue, but I did wish I could see the examples right there alongside the prompt rather than having to go searching for them.
And that brings me to my biggest criticism: the lack of pictures.
For a book about visual art, I really wanted more visual examples. Some of the concepts and artist references would have been so much easier to understand if I could actually see what they were talking about. There is a lot of room here to show examples of techniques, finished exercises, or different ways a prompt could be interpreted, and I think the book misses an opportunity by not doing that.
I also felt like some of the exercises could have gone a little further. There were times when I wanted more instruction, additional steps, or an explanation of why a particular exercise was useful and what skill or way of seeing it was intended to develop. The book introduces some really interesting concepts, but occasionally I found myself wishing it would dig just a little deeper.
I also don't think the blank sketchbook pages are particularly necessary. I understand the idea of having everything in one place, but personally, I'd rather use my own sketchbook or loose paper. That gives me more freedom with the size and type of paper and means I don't feel like I'm going to "mess up" the book.
One other issue may be specific to the digital edition, but some of the text was surprisingly difficult to read on a screen because parts of it blended into the background. Hopefully that's something that gets corrected in future editions.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It isn't going to teach you how to become a master artist, and I wouldn't pick it up if my primary goal were improving technical drawing skills. But that's not really what it's trying to do.
Instead, it's a great collection of prompts for people who want to create without worrying about whether they're "good" at drawing. It's an introduction to different elements, styles, artists, and ways of looking at the world, and it gives you plenty of places to start experimenting.
Whether you're brand new to drawing, looking for prompts to make art a regular habit, an artist who needs to get out of a creative rut, or simply someone who wants to approach drawing in a different way, there is something here to play with. I just wish the book had trusted its own visual nature a little more and shown us more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Art Life Practice is a sketchbook with artistic prompts to allow the reader to play with simple and increasingly complex art concepts. There is plenty of blank space to use while completing the prompts; since I’m reading this in e-book form I can’t comment on the type and weight of paper or whether the book can easily lie flat. When purchasing a printed copy of this book, the reader should find more information in order for the book to be useful. The introduction suggests that pencil, pen, watercolors and collage materials can be used for the various exercises. One of the features I liked was a series of pages with different colors and images that are intended to be torn out and used for collages.
I’m not sure what level of artist the author is shooting for. The introductory material explains basic concepts and tools, as if the reader needs this level of information to begin. However, the prompts, especially in the second half of the book, require drawing techniques which the beginner would not have. I think the prompts would be most useful for an intermediate level artist who has decent technique but wants to move beyond technique and make work that is more intuitive and free - or perhaps an artist in a different medium like pottery or fiber, who wishes to increase their sketching skills.
Each prompt is based on a method used by a noted artist; for example, a prompt inspired by Claude Monet asks the reader to draw (or paint) a series of different sunrises and sunsets, noting how they are different. It would have been very helpful to have color examples of the artists’ work for each prompt; often the text suggests good examples of the work inspiring the prompt, but the reader has to find the paintings online themselves. It doesn’t seem efficient to have half of a 20 minute sketching session taken up scrolling the internet for examples.
In short, I found this book potentially useful but with some flaws that limit it. Thanks to Artisan Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
I’m not sure what level of artist the author is shooting for. The introductory material explains basic concepts and tools, as if the reader needs this level of information to begin. However, the prompts, especially in the second half of the book, require drawing techniques which the beginner would not have. I think the prompts would be most useful for an intermediate level artist who has decent technique but wants to move beyond technique and make work that is more intuitive and free - or perhaps an artist in a different medium like pottery or fiber, who wishes to increase their sketching skills.
Each prompt is based on a method used by a noted artist; for example, a prompt inspired by Claude Monet asks the reader to draw (or paint) a series of different sunrises and sunsets, noting how they are different. It would have been very helpful to have color examples of the artists’ work for each prompt; often the text suggests good examples of the work inspiring the prompt, but the reader has to find the paintings online themselves. It doesn’t seem efficient to have half of a 20 minute sketching session taken up scrolling the internet for examples.
In short, I found this book potentially useful but with some flaws that limit it. Thanks to Artisan Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
I'm generously rating it a 2, but I really hated it. I don't think it delivered on the promise of the title. At first glance, it looks like it's logically structured but it quickly became annoying and then I proceeded to actually despise the author.
Guided sketchbook? Sure, I guess. There are prompts... can't deny that. It started out promising like something designed to help someone develop a daily habit. The beginning of the book seems like the standard beginner baby blocks but feels off. The overall feeling I get from the prompts is random. There's the tiniest bit of labeling to justify the order and grouping of exercises.
I read a digital version so I did not get to experience drawing in the book. I also didn't get to use the collage materials in the back which is probably the most valuable thing in the whole book.
I started doing the prompts in order. First, I skipped one that wanted me to go outside. Then, I skipped one because I wasn't going to go buy flowers. I started getting annoyed at how much stuff I had to look up. What's the point of having an instructional book (especially one the author intends for the reader to take out into nature) without crucial reference images? Not even a link to a list of links to the references.
I did not find the book to be inspiring. I would have been more inspired if the book had just been a list of the artists mentioned. The book actively made me not want to draw.
I'm honestly not sure who the book is for. The author has possibly created a product targeting nobody. I would not recommend it to anyone. It strikes such a weird, specific line that makes it mostly useless.
I'm generously rating it a 2, but I really hated it. I don't think it delivered on the promise of the title. At first glance, it looks like it's logically structured but it quickly became annoying and then I proceeded to actually despise the author.
Guided sketchbook? Sure, I guess. There are prompts... can't deny that. It started out promising like something designed to help someone develop a daily habit. The beginning of the book seems like the standard beginner baby blocks but feels off. The overall feeling I get from the prompts is random. There's the tiniest bit of labeling to justify the order and grouping of exercises.
I read a digital version so I did not get to experience drawing in the book. I also didn't get to use the collage materials in the back which is probably the most valuable thing in the whole book.
I started doing the prompts in order. First, I skipped one that wanted me to go outside. Then, I skipped one because I wasn't going to go buy flowers. I started getting annoyed at how much stuff I had to look up. What's the point of having an instructional book (especially one the author intends for the reader to take out into nature) without crucial reference images? Not even a link to a list of links to the references.
I did not find the book to be inspiring. I would have been more inspired if the book had just been a list of the artists mentioned. The book actively made me not want to draw.
I'm honestly not sure who the book is for. The author has possibly created a product targeting nobody. I would not recommend it to anyone. It strikes such a weird, specific line that makes it mostly useless.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
You do not need to know how to draw to enjoy this book. It’s filled with prompts designed to get you putting pen to paper and creating without worrying about technical skill. I was definitely inspired by many of the prompts.
Good for
• People who want to do something creative without having to worry about technical skill
• People who want prompts and inspiration for abstract art
• Artists who are in a funk and need help getting back into making art
• Artists who want to explore different art styles
Not meant for
• Beginners who want to learn how to draw
• Artists looking to improve their technical skills
My biggest criticism is the lack of pictures. (Note - I’m reading an ARC so this could change) Most prompts have a “check out this artist’s painting”. I want to minimize the times I take out my phone while reading this book or making artwork. Why not just include those pictures, especially the ones that are in the public domain? Another example - there's a section about color, and that entire section is in black and white. There really should be color in a chapter about color.
Good for
• People who want to do something creative without having to worry about technical skill
• People who want prompts and inspiration for abstract art
• Artists who are in a funk and need help getting back into making art
• Artists who want to explore different art styles
Not meant for
• Beginners who want to learn how to draw
• Artists looking to improve their technical skills
My biggest criticism is the lack of pictures. (Note - I’m reading an ARC so this could change) Most prompts have a “check out this artist’s painting”. I want to minimize the times I take out my phone while reading this book or making artwork. Why not just include those pictures, especially the ones that are in the public domain? Another example - there's a section about color, and that entire section is in black and white. There really should be color in a chapter about color.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Art Life Practice: The Guided Sketchbook is packed with thoughtful prompts, artist connections, and opportunities to explore different art styles in a hands-on way.
As an art educator, I found myself wishing this book had existed when I first started teaching 20 years ago. Over the years, I spent countless hours creating lessons and finding ways to introduce students to artists and artistic concepts. This book brings so many of those ideas together in an accessible and engaging format.
Whether you’re an educator, student, or simply someone interested in learning more about art, this guided sketchbook offers a creative pathway to exploration and discovery. It’s a resource that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and the development of a personal art practice. Highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of art while keeping creativity at the center of the experience.
As an art educator, I found myself wishing this book had existed when I first started teaching 20 years ago. Over the years, I spent countless hours creating lessons and finding ways to introduce students to artists and artistic concepts. This book brings so many of those ideas together in an accessible and engaging format.
Whether you’re an educator, student, or simply someone interested in learning more about art, this guided sketchbook offers a creative pathway to exploration and discovery. It’s a resource that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and the development of a personal art practice. Highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of art while keeping creativity at the center of the experience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This guided sketchbook offers prompts meant to help you develop a drawing habit. The book includes blank pages for your drawings and mini art history lessons that fit the theme of the prompts. There are even pages at the end that can be removed to use in collages.
I enjoyed this book - it won't turn you into the next great master, but it's a good introduction to the elements of art, and the information about artists and their practices is a bonus. The exercises help develop you hand-eye connection and encourage you to look at things in a new way.
I think this book is primarily aimed at those new to drawing who would like to make it a regular habit, but the book has plenty of ideas for anyone interested in looking at drawing in new ways.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed this book - it won't turn you into the next great master, but it's a good introduction to the elements of art, and the information about artists and their practices is a bonus. The exercises help develop you hand-eye connection and encourage you to look at things in a new way.
I think this book is primarily aimed at those new to drawing who would like to make it a regular habit, but the book has plenty of ideas for anyone interested in looking at drawing in new ways.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to netgalley and publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.
Pros:
very cute
beginner friendly and focused.
multiple beginning themes to get familar with art terms and practices
example pictures
cons:
I don't feel there is a need for blank space to practice. sketchbook or paper is way better.
Not sure if it will be corrected but reading it on a screen some parts were way hard to see. they blended into the background
I felt it could have gave even more instruction and steps and /or more reasons why it helps.
Overall i thought it was a good practice book if the text on screen is fixed. It is not really complete but good information and practice.
Pros:
very cute
beginner friendly and focused.
multiple beginning themes to get familar with art terms and practices
example pictures
cons:
I don't feel there is a need for blank space to practice. sketchbook or paper is way better.
Not sure if it will be corrected but reading it on a screen some parts were way hard to see. they blended into the background
I felt it could have gave even more instruction and steps and /or more reasons why it helps.
Overall i thought it was a good practice book if the text on screen is fixed. It is not really complete but good information and practice.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews